Anaemia and Sickle Cell Disease in Pregnancy

Question 1

Define anemia according to WHO criteria.

Answer 1

Hemoglobin less than 11 g/dL.

Question 2

Fill in the blank: “Mild anemia is defined as hemoglobin levels between __________ and __________ g/dL.”

Answer 2

10 and 10.9.

Question 3

What is the global prevalence of anemia in pregnancy?

Answer 3

41.8%.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: “Physiological anemia in pregnancy occurs due to a __________% increase in plasma volume and a __________% rise in red cell mass.”

Answer 4

50%; 15–20%.

Question 5

Name two maternal complications of anemia in pregnancy.

Answer 5

Maternal mortality, increased risk of infections (e.g., puerperal pyrexia).

Question 6

List three consequences of anemia in the baby.

Answer 6

Low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm delivery.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: “Iron deficiency anemia accounts for __________ to __________% of anemia in pregnancy.”

Answer 7

50–75%.

Question 8

Name two parasitic diseases that contribute to anemia in pregnancy.

Answer 8

Malaria, hookworm.

Question 9

What are the clinical features of moderate to severe anemia?

Answer 9

Tiredness, dizziness, fainting, pallor, breathlessness, palpitations.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: “Koilonychia is a nail change associated with __________.”

Answer 10

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Question 11

Name three investigations used to diagnose anemia in pregnancy.

Answer 11

Hemoglobin concentration, blood film examination, serum ferritin.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: “Severe anemia with hemoglobin less than __________ g/dL after 36 weeks gestation should be managed with caution using transfusion.”

Answer 12

7

Question 13

What is the recommended dose of folic acid for treating folic acid deficiency anemia?

Answer 13

15–20 mg/day.

Question 14

Name three common trigger factors for sickle cell crises.

Answer 14

Infection, dehydration, hypoxia.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: “The inheritance of sickle cell disease follows a __________ pattern.”

Answer 15

Mendelian.

Question 16

What are the fetal complications associated with sickle cell disease in pregnancy?

Answer 16

Low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), perinatal mortality.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: “Bone pain crises in the postpartum period may lead to __________.”

Answer 17

Bone marrow embolism.

Question 18

Name two prophylactic medications for managing sickle cell disease in pregnancy.

Answer 18

Proguanil 200 mg daily, folic acid 5 mg daily.

Question 19

What is the recommended hemoglobin threshold for transfusion in pregnant women with sickle cell disease?

Answer 19

Less than 6 g/dL (unless steady state is lower).

Question 20

Fill in the blank: “Pregnant women with sickle cell disease should monitor fetal growth using __________ and fetal kick charts.”

Answer 20

Symphysiofundal height and ultrasonography.

Question 21

Name two key management strategies during labor for pregnant women with sickle cell disease.

Answer 21

Availability of two units of fresh AA blood; minimize labor duration.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: “Labor in sickle cell patients should be as __________ as possible to minimize complications.”

Answer 22

Short.

Question 23

Why is contraception important in managing sickle cell disease post-pregnancy?

Answer 23

Prevent unplanned pregnancies, reduce risks in subsequent pregnancies.

Question 24

Name three suitable contraceptive methods for women with sickle cell disease.

Answer 24

Mini pill, Depo-Provera, Copper T IUCD.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: “Pregnancy increases the risk of __________ and hypoxic states in sickle cell patients.”

Answer 25

Dehydration.

Question 26

What are the consequences of delayed wound healing in sickle cell disease?

Answer 26

Increased risk of infections, delayed recovery.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: “Vitamin __________ deficiency is a less common cause of anemia but is prevalent in areas like India.”

Answer 27

B12.

Question 28

Name two infections commonly associated with anemia in pregnancy.

Answer 28

Tuberculosis, urinary tract infection (UTI).

Question 29

What is the role of malaria prophylaxis in managing anemia during pregnancy?

Answer 29

Reduces the risk of malaria-induced hemolysis and anemia.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: “The primary goal of managing anemia and sickle cell disease in pregnancy is to improve __________ and __________ outcomes.”

Answer 30

Maternal; fetal.